Top advisors for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama conversed with UW-Madison students about foreign policy at a town-meeting style discussion Tuesday in Grainger Hall.

Former U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Admiral John Nathman and Sarah Sewall, director of the Car Center for Human Rights, answered students’ inquiries on topics ranging from the stability of Pakistan’s borders to nuclear proliferation and contracted militia.

As a foreign policy advisor for Obama, Nathman said he provides advice on “national security issues or naval matters.”

“[Students should understand] how foreign policy helps shape global connections through unique domestic policies,” Sewall said.

According to Sewall, Obama’s campaign focuses on global problems through collective responses with international partners.

She said the Obama campaign approaches public policy questions with “what is best for the American public” in mind.

“Obama’s campaign has a fundamentally positive view,” Sewall said, adding it is geared toward the current generation of youth who look to the future as a time of prosperity.

She said Obama believes in asserting America’s leadership on the political stage and the United States’ role internationally is shaping the world into a stable place that can allow states to work together successfully.

The speakers said Obama’s foreign policies would help others internationally by providing troops to build infrastructure and provide assistance rather than primarily being a presence of force.

According to Bryon Eagon, state organizer for Students for Obama, the event was a great opportunity to hear from Obama’s top advisors about his view on foreign policy and answer questions about students concerns.

“[Their presence on campus] shows dedication to students and that the campaign wants to engage students in the campaign,” Eagon said.

Eagon said the younger generation will become social and economic leaders in the next couple of decades and the Obama campaign wants the involvement of future leaders.